Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Programs

The Biology Department offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and master of science in biology. The department offers three separate majors: biology, zoology and biology/secondary education. Students with a biology major have the opportunity for further specialization by choosing from one of four concentrations: general biology, ecology, microbiology and physiology. The department also contributes course work to interdisciplinary programs in biochemistry, environmental science, diagnostic genetics and science technologist. The department offers three minor programs of study: biology, human biology and biology education. The offerings complement programs in nursing, health, liberal arts and sciences, physical education, clinical laboratory sciences, and environmental conservation, among others. The courses emphasize fundamental concepts of biology at the subcellular, organismic and population levels. The laboratory courses provide students with first-hand experience in understanding biological concepts, thus furthering their understanding of life.

Biologists should have a knowledge of organisms at all levels ranging from molecular activities within cells to ecosystem dynamics. For this reason, the biology tracks and the zoology major are built around a common core of courses. The remaining courses for the major are selected to satisfy the student’s interests and career plans. A strong background in the physical sciences is helpful to a biological career.

Student Organizations

Pre-Dental Club

Pre-Medical Club

Pre-Veterinary Club

Student Michigan Education Association

Tri Beta Society

Wildlife Society

Department Facilities

greenhouse

herbarium

Lake Superior research boat

Longyear Forest

molecular biology facilities

small-animal facility

zoological collections

Department/Program Policies

A 2.00 grade point average is required for all biology courses taken for any non-teaching major in the department. Exceptions must be requested via petition to the department’s academic programs committee. Students majoring in secondary education biology or minoring in biology education must maintain a grade point average of 2.70 or greater with no grade below a “C” in the professional education sequence, the major and/or minor and required cognates combined.

Students enrolled in biology laboratory courses must pay replacement costs for damaged supplies (e.g., glassware and microscope slides) or equipment (e.g., microscopes) having value in excess of one dollar. Records of assessments for damage are maintained in the department, and students are notified of any costs due no later than the last laboratory meeting.

Recommendation for Students Bound for Graduate School

Students who plan to apply to a professional school or pursue graduate work in biology are strongly advised to take Organic Chemistry I and II (CH 321, 322) and a year of physics.

Many graduate programs in the biological sciences, including the one at Northern Michigan University, require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission. Students intending to pursue graduate study in the biological sciences should take this examination early in their senior year.

Courses within each major that can be used to satisfy liberal studies requirements are listed with the Roman numeral (in brackets) that coincides with the liberal studies division the course falls under.

Courses within each minor that can be used to satisfy liberal studies requirements are listed with the Roman numeral (in brackets) that coincides with the liberal studies division the course falls under.